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30
The Observation Register was first launched in Redbridge
on 1st December, 1965, its object being the earlier diagnosis
of Disease or Abnormality in the Infant.
During the first few months, certain minor problems were
encountered. These have now been overcome to a large extent,
the solutions being facilitated very greatly by the ready cooperation
and liaison between medical officers, general
practitioners, health visitors, midwives and the administrative
staff.
Observation
Register
Certain general practitioners have expressed a wish or
willingness to see their own patients and in this way have
naturally added greatly to the smooth running of what is proving
to be a large and worthwhile project.
The original form of "Notification Factors" is still in use
with minor modifications. These forms and hospital discharge
summaries (often with the hospital obstetric charts of the
mother and infant in addition) are carefully examined by the
Medical Officer in charge, before an infant is eventually placed
on the Observation Register.
Examination of infants is then carried out routinely at the
following times:—
(1) As soon after birth as is practicable (at about
6/52 age)*
(2) At 6/12 age
(3) At 10/12 age
(4) At 18/12 age
and (5) At 2 years age.
If at any stage it is considered that the infant may be
taken off the Register, the examining medical officer will
indicate this, and the reasons therefor are duly considered.
Factors influencing inclusion on the Register
These factors (26 in all) are divided into the following 5
categories:—